Automated method for mercury pollution in laboratories

Abstract

The present application relates to mercury pollution treatment technical field, especially laboratory mercury pollution automatic processing method, the method includes the following steps: step S1: the mercury waste gas is from the air inlet pipe into the pretreatment pool, so that the mercury waste gas is contacted with the absorption liquid to absorb the mercury waste gas; Step S2: when the absorption liquid changes color, the first color sensor sends a signal to the control host, the control host controls the multiple electric telescopic rod to drive the shielding block to move, so that the air outlet pipe is opened, the control host controls the first valve to open, so that the absorption liquid is contacted with the filter material through the liquid outlet pipe into the filter tank to reduce mercury ions to metallic mercury; The present application can accurately and efficiently treat mercury vapor, mercury waste liquid and find mercury leakage in time, so as to guarantee the personal safety of the experimenter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of mercury pollution treatment, in particular to a laboratory mercury pollution automatic treatment method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The source of mercury in the laboratory is mainly the toxic chemical reagents required for the detection of solid waste mercury content, wastewater mercury content, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, ammonia nitrogen, ammonium ion, chemical oxygen demand, etc. Mercury is extremely volatile at room temperature and is not easy to capture and control. If mercury vapor and mercury waste liquid are leaked during the detection process in the laboratory, mercury can be absorbed through the respiratory tract or digestive tract, and long-term exposure can cause chronic poisoning, such as nervous system disorders, kidney damage, nausea, vomiting, etc. SUMMARY

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a laboratory mercury pollution automatic treatment method, which can accurately and efficiently treat mercury vapor and mercury waste liquid and timely detect mercury leakage, thereby ensuring the personal safety of the laboratory staff.

[0004] The present application adopts the following technical scheme: a laboratory mercury pollution automatic treatment method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0005] Step S1: the mercury waste gas enters the pretreatment tank from the air inlet pipe, so that the mercury waste gas is contacted with the absorption liquid to absorb the mercury waste gas;

[0006] Step S2: when the absorption liquid changes color, the first color sensor sends a signal to the control host, the control host controls the multiple electric telescopic rods to drive the shielding block to move, so that the air outlet pipe is opened, the control host controls the first valve to open, so that the absorption liquid enters the filter tank through the liquid outlet pipe and is contacted with the filter material to reduce the mercury ions to metallic mercury;

[0007] Step S3: the gas passes through the air outlet pipe, when the mercury waste gas in the gas has not been completely absorbed, the mercury waste gas will react with the safety sheet, causing the safety sheet to break brittlely, so that the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitter pass through the safety sheet to make the infrared receiver receive, and then send a signal to the control host, the control host controls the first warning light to flash, so that the first loudspeaker emits an alarm sound through the first sound outlet hole, reminding the laboratory staff to timely detect mercury leakage;

[0008] Step S4: when the filter material changes color, the second color sensor sends a signal to the control host, the control host controls the second valve to open, so that the metallic mercury and the absorption liquid enter the separatory funnel, the control host controls the second warning light to flash, so that the second loudspeaker emits an alarm sound through the second sound outlet hole, reminding the laboratory staff to replace the filter material in time;

[0009] Step S5: Open the switch on the separatory funnel to separate the absorbent liquid from the metallic mercury, thus completing the recovery of the metallic mercury.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes a treatment structure, the treatment structure including a pretreatment tank containing an absorbent liquid for absorbing mercury waste gas; the pretreatment tank having an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the inlet pipe having a protective tank; the pretreatment tank having a liquid outlet pipe connected to a filter tank containing filter material, the filter tank being connected to a separating funnel via a water supply pipe;

[0011] The air outlet pipe is also equipped with a safety component, which includes a first warning component and a safety film; the filter canister is equipped with a second warning component.

[0012] The absorbent is composed of ferrate, ferric nitrate, or ferric chloride, and the filter material is quartz sand loaded with iron or quartz sand loaded with copper.

[0013] Preferably, a baffle is fixed in the middle of the pretreatment tank, and a gap is left between the bottom of the baffle and the inner bottom surface of the pretreatment tank; a mesh plate is fixed between the side of the baffle near the air inlet pipe and the inner wall of one side of the pretreatment tank, and the mesh plate is located at the upper end of the pretreatment tank.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of first buffer plates are fixed on both the left and right sides of the baffle, and a plurality of second buffer plates are fixed in the pretreatment pool, with the first buffer plates and the second buffer plates being arranged alternately.

[0015] Preferably, a blocking block is provided at the bottom of the air outlet pipe, and the blocking block is driven by a multi-section electric telescopic rod; a mounting frame is fixed on the right side of the air outlet pipe, and a multi-section electric telescopic rod is installed on the mounting frame, with the push rod end of the multi-section electric telescopic rod penetrating the pipe wall of the air outlet pipe and connecting to the blocking block.

[0016] Preferably, a safety sheet is fixed to the middle of one side inner wall of the air outlet pipe; the safety assembly further includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver, with the infrared transmitter mounted on the inner wall of one side of the air outlet pipe below the safety sheet via a first mounting plate, and the infrared receiver mounted on the inner wall of one side of the air outlet pipe above the safety sheet via a second mounting plate.

[0017] Preferably, the first warning component includes a first mounting base fixed to the top of the pretreatment pool, a first warning light installed on both the left and right sides of the top of the first mounting base, a first speaker installed inside the first mounting base, and a plurality of first sound outlet holes opened on the top of the first mounting base.

[0018] Preferably, the second warning component includes a second mounting base, and the second mounting base is fixed on both the left and right sides of the top of the filter tank. A second warning light is installed on the second mounting base, a second speaker is installed inside the second mounting base, and a plurality of second sound outlet holes are opened on the top of the second mounting base.

[0019] Preferably, a first color sensor and a first valve are arranged sequentially from left to right on the liquid outlet pipe, a second color sensor is arranged on one side of the filter tank, and a second valve is arranged on the water supply pipe.

[0020] Preferably, the processing structure is further provided with a main control module, an infrared detection module, a valve switch module, a color recognition module, a light warning module, a voice alarm module, and a pole extension module. The infrared detection module, valve switch module, color recognition module, light warning module, voice alarm module, and pole extension module are all communicatively connected to the main control module.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] This invention provides an automated method for treating mercury pollution in laboratories. It utilizes the reaction of ferrate, ferric nitrate, or ferric chloride with elemental mercury, causing the solution to change from yellow to light green, and automatically discharges the ineffective absorbent, ensuring effective absorption of elemental mercury. This method increases the contact area and time between waste gas and the absorbent, thereby effectively absorbing and treating mercury vapor and other gaseous pollutants. It also utilizes the principle that mercury can chemically react with aluminum at room temperature, causing brittle fracture of aluminum safety films, to achieve automated early warning of mercury leaks, ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel. Furthermore, it uses quartz sand loaded with iron or copper filter material to reduce divalent mercury in the ineffective absorbent to elemental metallic mercury. Elemental metallic mercury is insoluble in water and has a density much greater than water, allowing it to settle and be recovered. Finally, the color change of the quartz sand loaded with iron or copper filter material provides an automated early warning to remind laboratory personnel to replace the filter material in a timely manner.

[0023] This invention can accurately and efficiently process mercury vapor and mercury waste liquid and detect mercury leaks in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the personal safety of laboratory personnel. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding block.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the safety film.

[0027] Figure 4 This is the circuit schematic diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides an embodiment of an automated method for treating mercury contamination in a laboratory, the method comprising the following steps:

[0030] Step S1: The mercury waste gas is introduced into the pretreatment tank 1 through the inlet pipe 2, so that the mercury waste gas comes into contact with the absorbent liquid and thus absorbs the mercury waste gas.

[0031] Step S2: When the absorbent changes color, the first color sensor 23 sends a signal to the control host. The control host controls the multi-section electric telescopic rod 17 to move the blocking block 16, so that the vent pipe 3 is opened. The control host controls the first valve 24 to open, so that the absorbent enters the filter tank 6 through the liquid outlet pipe 5 and comes into contact with the filter material, thereby reducing mercury ions to metallic mercury.

[0032] Step S3: The gas passes through the gas outlet pipe 3. When the mercury waste gas in the gas has not been completely absorbed, the mercury waste gas will react with the safety film 10, causing the safety film 10 to break brittlely. This allows the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitter 19 to pass through the safety film 10 and be received by the infrared receiver 20. Then, a signal is sent to the control host. The control host controls the first warning light 92 to flash, and the first speaker emits an alarm sound through the first sound outlet to remind the experimenter to detect the mercury leak in time.

[0033] Step S4: When the filter material changes color, the second color sensor 25 sends a signal to the control host. The control host controls the second valve 26 to open, so that the metallic mercury and the absorbent liquid enter the separating funnel 8. The control host controls the second warning light 112 to flash, so that the second speaker emits an alarm sound through the second sound outlet to remind the experimenter to replace the filter material in time.

[0034] Step S5: Open the switch on the separatory funnel 8 to separate the absorbent liquid from the metallic mercury, thus completing the recovery of the metallic mercury.

[0035] This embodiment also includes a processing structure, which includes a pretreatment tank 1 containing an absorbent liquid for absorbing mercury waste gas. The absorbent liquid can absorb the mercury waste gas. The pretreatment tank 1 has an inlet pipe 2 and an outlet pipe 3. The inlet pipe 2 has a protective tank 4 to prevent backflow of the absorbent liquid. The pretreatment tank 1 has an outlet pipe 5 for the liquid after mercury absorption to pass through. The outlet pipe 5 is connected to a filter tank 6 containing filter material. The filter material can reduce mercury ions in the absorbent liquid to metallic mercury, thereby enabling the recovery of metallic mercury. The filter tank 6 is connected to a separating funnel 8 via a water pipe 7. The separating funnel 8 can separate metallic mercury from the liquid, facilitating subsequent recovery of metallic mercury.

[0036] The exhaust pipe 3 is also equipped with a safety component, which can detect whether the mercury waste gas has been completely absorbed. The safety component includes a first warning component 9 and a safety film 10. The first warning component 9 can prompt the experimenter to detect mercury leakage in time, and the safety film 10 can detect whether the mercury waste gas has been completely absorbed. The filter tank 6 is equipped with a second warning component 11, which can prompt the experimenter to replace the filter material.

[0037] In this embodiment, a baffle 12 is fixed in the middle of the pretreatment tank 1. The baffle 12 can prolong the contact time between the mercury waste gas and the absorption liquid, thereby improving the absorption efficiency. A gap is left between the bottom of the baffle 12 and the inner bottom surface of the pretreatment tank 1 to facilitate the passage of mercury waste gas.

[0038] A mesh plate 13 is fixed between the side of the baffle 12 near the air inlet pipe 2 and the inner wall of the pretreatment tank 1. The mesh plate 13 can disperse the mercury waste gas, thereby increasing the contact area with the absorbent liquid and achieving effective absorption. The mesh plate 13 is located at the upper end of the pretreatment tank 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, several first buffer plates 14 are fixed on both the left and right sides of the baffle 12, and several second buffer plates 15 are fixed in the pretreatment tank 1. The first buffer plates 14 and the second buffer plates 15 are alternately arranged, which can prolong the contact time between the mercury waste gas and the absorption liquid, thereby improving the absorption efficiency.

[0040] Please continue reading. Figure 2 In this embodiment, a shielding block 16 is provided at the bottom of the outlet pipe 3. The shielding block 16 can shield the mercury waste gas, thereby preventing the passage of incompletely absorbed mercury waste gas and improving the absorption efficiency. The shielding block 16 is driven by a multi-section electric telescopic rod 17, which can move the shielding block 16 left and right, thereby opening and closing the outlet pipe 3. A mounting bracket 18 is fixed on the right side of the outlet pipe 3 for mounting the multi-section electric telescopic rod 17. The multi-section electric telescopic rod 17 is mounted on the mounting bracket 18, and the push rod end of the multi-section electric telescopic rod 17 penetrates the pipe wall of the outlet pipe 3 and is connected to the shielding block 16.

[0041] Please continue reading. Figure 3In this embodiment, a safety sheet 10 is fixed to the middle of the inner wall of one side of the vent pipe 3. The safety sheet 10 is made of aluminum, which is impermeable to infrared radiation. Mercury can combine with aluminum at room temperature to form an aluminum amalgam, known as "aluminum amalgam." Aluminum amalgam is a brittle substance with mechanical strength far lower than that of metallic aluminum, causing brittle fracture of the aluminum. Simultaneously, aluminum amalgam reacts with water to form porous aluminum hydroxide. This demonstrates that even a small amount of mercury can continuously corrode aluminum. When mercury leaks into the air, the aluminum safety sheet 10 reacts with the mercury and fractures brittlely, failing to block infrared radiation, and the infrared receiver receives the transmitted infrared light.

[0042] The safety assembly also includes an infrared transmitter 19 and an infrared receiver 20. The infrared transmitter 19 and the infrared receiver 20 work together to detect whether there is still residual mercury waste gas in the gas passing through the absorbent liquid. The infrared transmitter 19 is mounted on one side of the inner wall of the gas outlet pipe 3 below the safety sheet 10 via a first mounting plate 21, and the infrared receiver 20 is mounted on one side of the inner wall of the gas outlet pipe 3 above the safety sheet 10 via a second mounting plate 22.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first warning component 9 includes a first mounting base 91 fixed on the top of the pretreatment pool 1. A first warning light 92 is installed on both the left and right sides of the top of the first mounting base 91. The first warning light 92 can alert the experimenter. A first speaker (not shown) is installed inside the first mounting base 91. A plurality of first sound holes (not shown) are opened on the top of the first mounting base 91. The alarm sound of the first warning light 92 can be played through the first speaker and the first sound holes.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second warning component 11 includes a second mounting base 111. The second mounting base 111 is fixed on both the left and right sides of the top of the filter tank 6. A second warning light 112 is installed on the second mounting base 111. The second warning light 112 can alert the experimenter. A second speaker (not shown) is installed inside the second mounting base 111. Several second sound holes (not shown) are opened on the top of the second mounting base 111. The alarm sound of the second warning light 112 can be played through the second speaker and the second sound holes.

[0045] In this embodiment, a first color sensor 23 and a first valve 24 are arranged sequentially from left to right on the liquid outlet pipe 5. The first color sensor 23 can detect the color change of the absorbent liquid, and the first valve 24 can control the absorbent liquid to enter the filter tank 6. A second color sensor 25 is arranged on one side of the filter tank 6, and a second valve 26 is arranged on the water supply pipe 7. The second color sensor 25 can detect the color change of the filter material, and the second valve 26 can control the absorbent liquid in the filter tank 6 to enter the separating funnel 8.

[0046] Please continue reading. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the processing structure is further provided with a main control module, an infrared detection module, a valve switch module, a color recognition module, a light warning module, a voice alarm module, and a pole extension module. The infrared detection module, valve switch module, color recognition module, light warning module, voice alarm module, and pole extension module are all communicatively connected to the main control module.

[0047] The main control module is electrically connected to the control host, the infrared detection module is electrically connected to the infrared receiver 20, the valve switch module is electrically connected to the first valve 24 and the second valve 26, the color recognition module is electrically connected to the first color sensor 23 and the second color sensor 25, the light warning module is electrically connected to the first warning light 92 and the second warning light 112, and the voice alarm module is electrically connected to the first speaker and the second speaker.

[0048] When the infrared receiver 20 receives infrared light, the infrared detection module sends the signal to the main control module. The main control module then sends instructions to the voice alarm module and the light warning module, simultaneously activating the first warning light 92 and the first speaker, thereby initiating voice and light alarms to alert the experimenter that the mercury waste gas has not been completely absorbed.

[0049] When the first color sensor 23 detects a color change, the color recognition module sends a signal to the main control module. The main control module then sends instructions to the valve switch module and the electric rod extension module, simultaneously activating the first valve 24 and the multi-section electric extension rod 17, allowing the absorbent liquid to enter the filter tank 6 and enabling the air outlet pipe 3 to be opened.

[0050] When the second color sensor 25 detects a color change, the color recognition module sends a signal to the main control module. The main control module then sends instructions to the valve switch module, the voice alarm module, and the light warning module. Simultaneously, the second valve 26, the second warning light 112, and the second speaker are activated, allowing the absorbent liquid and metallic mercury to enter the separating funnel 8. This activates the second warning light 112 and the second speaker, thereby triggering the voice and light alarms to remind the experimenter to replace the filter material.

[0051] Methods to determine if the absorbent has absorbed mercury waste gas:

[0052] The absorbent is composed of ferrate, ferric nitrate, or ferric chloride. All three materials can absorb mercury waste gas, and the treatment effect of the absorbent on mercury waste gas can be directly observed by the color change.

[0053] Ferrate ions in ferrates have strong oxidizing properties, as do ferric ions in ferric nitrate aqueous solutions, and both ferric ions and free chloride ions in ferric chloride aqueous solutions. These oxidizing agents can oxidize elemental mercury to divalent mercury ions, which are soluble in water and easily captured and controlled. Furthermore, their strong oxidizing properties can promote the conversion of gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, and volatile chlorine into harmless substances.

[0054] Ferrate, ferric nitrate, and ferric chloride solutions are all yellow. Upon reaction with elemental mercury, they produce ferrous ions, turning the solution light green. This color change directly reflects the effectiveness of the absorbent in treating mercury-laden waste gas. When the absorbent turns green, it indicates that the adsorption of mercury has reached saturation, and the absorbent needs to be replaced promptly.

[0055] Methods for preparing filter materials:

[0056] Weigh 3g of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and dissolve it in 100mL of water. Heat the solution on an electric stove with constant stirring until dissolved, and boil for 10 minutes. Weigh 5g of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate or 5g of copper sulfate into a beaker, add 20mL of the prepared sodium carboxymethyl cellulose sol, add quartz sand and stir thoroughly. Then add 1.95g of sodium borohydride solid and stir. A black solid (reduced iron) or a red solid (reduced copper) will precipitate out. Add an appropriate amount of deionized water, set the speed to 5000r / min, and centrifuge. Repeat 3 times. Add an appropriate amount of ethanol, set the speed to 5000r / min, and centrifuge. Repeat 3 times. After centrifugation, dry the material in a vacuum desiccator for 24 hours to obtain quartz sand-loaded iron or copper filter material.

[0057] Methods to determine whether the filter material reduces mercury ions in the absorbent liquid to metallic mercury:

[0058] The filter material is either iron-loaded quartz sand or copper-loaded quartz sand. Both of these materials can reduce mercury ions in the absorbent liquid to metallic mercury, thereby enabling the recovery of metallic mercury.

[0059] Quartz sand loaded with iron is black, and quartz sand loaded with copper is red. When quartz sand loaded with iron reacts with divalent mercury in the absorption liquid to generate divalent iron ions, it turns light green. When quartz sand loaded with copper reacts with divalent mercury in the absorption liquid to generate divalent copper ions, it turns blue. The color change allows direct observation of the reduction effect of the filter material on mercury ions.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of this application. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application of the present invention should be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated method for treating mercury contamination in laboratories, characterized by: The method includes the following steps: Step S1: The mercury waste gas is introduced into the pretreatment tank through the inlet pipe, so that the mercury waste gas comes into contact with the absorbent liquid and is absorbed. Step S2: When the absorbent changes color, the first color sensor sends a signal to the control host. The control host controls the multi-section electric telescopic rod to move the blocking block, so that the vent pipe opens. The control host controls the first valve to open, so that the absorbent enters the filter tank through the vent pipe and comes into contact with the filter material, thereby reducing mercury ions to metallic mercury. Step S3: As the gas passes through the outlet pipe, before the mercury waste gas in the gas is completely absorbed, the mercury waste gas will react with the safety film, causing the safety film to break brittlely. This allows the infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitter to pass through the safety film and be received by the infrared receiver, which then sends a signal to the control host. The control host controls the first warning light to flash, and the first speaker emits an alarm sound through the first sound outlet to remind the experimenter to detect the mercury leak in time. Step S4: When the filter material changes color, the second color sensor sends a signal to the control host. The control host controls the second valve to open, allowing the metallic mercury and the absorbent liquid to enter the separatory funnel. The control host controls the second warning light to flash, causing the second speaker to emit an alarm sound through the second sound outlet, reminding the experimenter to replace the filter material in time. Step S5: Open the switch on the separatory funnel to separate the absorbent from the metallic mercury, thus completing the recovery of the metallic mercury; It also includes a treatment structure, which includes a pretreatment tank containing an absorbent liquid for absorbing mercury waste gas; the pretreatment tank has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the inlet pipe has a protective tank; the pretreatment tank has a liquid outlet pipe connected to a filter tank containing filter material, and the filter tank is connected to a separating funnel via a water supply pipe. The air outlet pipe is also equipped with a safety component, which includes a first warning component and a safety film; the filter canister is equipped with a second warning component. The absorbent is composed of ferrate, ferric nitrate, or ferric chloride, and the filter material is quartz sand loaded with iron or quartz sand loaded with copper. A shielding block is provided at the bottom of the air outlet pipe, and the shielding block is driven by a multi-section electric telescopic rod; a mounting frame is fixed on the right side of the air outlet pipe, and a multi-section electric telescopic rod is installed on the mounting frame. The push rod end of the multi-section electric telescopic rod penetrates the pipe wall of the air outlet pipe and is connected to the shielding block. A safety plate is fixed to the middle of one side inner wall of the vent pipe; the safety assembly also includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver. The infrared transmitter is mounted on the inner wall of one side of the vent pipe below the safety plate via a first mounting plate, and the infrared receiver is mounted on the inner wall of one side of the vent pipe above the safety plate via a second mounting plate.

2. The automated treatment method for laboratory mercury contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle is fixed in the middle of the pretreatment tank, and a gap is left between the bottom of the baffle and the inner bottom surface of the pretreatment tank; a mesh plate is fixed between the side of the baffle near the air inlet pipe and the inner wall of one side of the pretreatment tank, and the mesh plate is located at the upper end of the pretreatment tank.

3. The automated treatment method for laboratory mercury contamination according to claim 2, characterized in that: Several first buffer plates are fixed on both the left and right sides of the baffle, and several second buffer plates are fixed in the pretreatment pool. The first buffer plates and the second buffer plates are arranged alternately.

4. The automated treatment method for laboratory mercury contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first warning component includes a first mounting base fixed to the top of the pretreatment pool, a first warning light installed on both the left and right sides of the top of the first mounting base, a first speaker installed inside the first mounting base, and a plurality of first sound outlet holes opened on the top of the first mounting base.

5. The automated treatment method for laboratory mercury contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second warning component includes a second mounting base. The second mounting base is fixed on both the left and right sides of the top of the filter tank. A second warning light is installed on the second mounting base. A second speaker is installed inside the second mounting base. Several second sound outlet holes are opened on the top of the second mounting base.

6. The automated treatment method for laboratory mercury contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid outlet pipe is provided with a first color sensor and a first valve from left to right, the filter tank is provided with a second color sensor on one side, and the water supply pipe is provided with a second valve.

7. The automated treatment method for laboratory mercury contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processing structure is also equipped with a main control module, an infrared detection module, a valve switch module, a color recognition module, a light warning module, a voice alarm module, and a pole extension module. The infrared detection module, valve switch module, color recognition module, light warning module, voice alarm module, and pole extension module are all communicatively connected to the main control module.

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